Lusail City is firmly established on the map of Qatar and has indelibly branded itself in the hearts and minds of Qataris, expatriates and tourists. Along with its iconic stadium feature in the World CupTM, Lusail City can rightly claim to be the smartest and the most technologically advanced city in the region, if not the world. Lusail’s high-speed fibre technology network helps give businesses the edge while residents enjoy an excellent quality of life within a sustainable environment. However, there’s far more to Lusail than tech. It is one of the most exciting cities to live, work and play in. Each district offers an array of residential, commercial, hospitality and retail destinations as well as schools, mosques, hotels, medical facilities, sports venues, entertainment and shopping centres.

Samarra is a small yet historically rich city located approximately 125 kilometres north of Baghdad. Founded in 836 AD by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mu'tasim, it holds deep significance for Sunni Muslims and features some of Iraq's most iconic Islamic architecture. The easiest way to visit Samarra is on a day trip from Baghdad. Head to the Alawi garage to catch a shared taxi or minivan. A one-way journey in a minivan costs around 10,000 Iraqi dinars. Shared taxis are slightly more expensive but offer a faster and more comfortable ride. Samarra’s most famous landmark is the spiral minaret of the Great Mosque, which was once among the largest mosques in the world. The minaret stands at 52 metres and features a distinctive spiral ramp that winds its way to the top. Climbing the minaret is not always allowed and it is unclear when it's possible to climb it and when it's not. There's also another similar minaret nearby called the Abu Dulaf Minaret, located 28 kilometres from the Great Mosque. Samarra is also home to the Askariyya Shrine, an important site that is sacred to Shia Muslims due to the tombs of the tenth and eleventh Imams. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed inside, but modest dress, respectful behaviour, and compliance with local customs are expected. Due to the shrine’s religious importance, security is very tight and includes several checkpoints. As a predominantly Sunni city in a complex religious landscape, Samarra maintains strict security protocols, particularly for foreigners. If you're not part of an organised tour, expect to be the only foreigner on the journey. This may result in added scrutiny at checkpoints, including detailed passport checks and questions about your travel plans.

The Mason Historical Society is housed in a charming Victorian house that takes you straight back to the 1890s. Inside, you'll find period furniture and artifacts that showcase the town's history, all thanks to a local antique dealer who helped preserve these treasures. It’s a small but fascinating stop for anyone curious about Mason’s past.